Despite the results of Pennsylvania’s tests, the EPA said that concentrations of radium might vary depending on the source and volume of the wastewater as well as the flow of the water body that receives the treated effluent. Therefore, the EPA said, “to ensure public safety, additional sampling is needed.”

The EPA also said that it planned to inspect wastewater treatment facilities in the state’s natural-gas fields and would “utilize our federal authorities to require drinking water and wastewater monitoring if that becomes necessary.”